Blogs

Interviews

In the fast-paced and competitive world of PR and corporate communications, particularly in London, taking part in a successful job search can be a real challenge, and getting to interview stage is quite often a small victory. Of course if you have got your preparation down to a fine art, the last thing you want is something unexpected cropping up at interview to throw you off your game. So are you ready for the unexpected? Here’s a few things to watch out for.

Is your job search not going the way that you want it to? Have you been to interview after interview but you’re just not getting the offers? Looking for a new job can be an extremely tiring, stressful and time-consuming process, and if you’re not getting the job offers you want it may seem as if you are doing it for no reward, and it may also be impacting your confidence in your skills and experience. It’s important that you’re not letting rejection ruin your job search – and here’s how.

Are you guilty of preparing for your interviews the night before? As an incredibly busy and fast-paced industry, PR and communications professionals are up against deadlines, long hours and work-life balance demands. So just when is the best time for you to be preparing for your interview? Career coach and hypnotherapist Lynne Wilkins is our guest blogger this week and shares her secrets to successful interview preparation.

Are you falling at first stage interview and don’t seem to be getting it quite right when it comes to telling your story? As search specialists in the PR and communications sector, we know a thing or two about the art of interviewing which can help you secure the PR and communications role of your dreams. Read on to find out our secret sauce for interview success!

In this incredibly competitive job market, securing an interview is a big achievement, which means that the pressure is really on. You understand the need to do all you can in terms of practical preparation – buy a new suit, research the company and prepare your questions – yet you can’t seem to shake off the feeling that it’s all going to go pear-shaped. You start to fret that the other applicants are going to be more impressive and better qualified than you. In short, your mind becomes so occupied with doubts and negative thoughts that you end up anticipating failure.

Paul Downes, Chairman of the Capital Markets and Corporate Affairs division in London and a member of Instinctif Partners’ Executive Committee, shares his insights and some of the extensive experience he has gained from over 25 years working in the field of international business and financial communications.

The questions that you ask during an interview should quickly ascertain if you have a mediocre or high performer sitting in front of you, what motivates them in their career and if the role you're offering is right for them. Naturally, you are looking at a good fit with the team too, but in essence you want to know, ‘Do they have the skill and the will?’ Watch the video for the five interview questions that are going to help you select the right – and best – people.

The market has changed – things have turned around and we are facing a candidate-driven market again so if you’re looking to add to your team, there’s one – yes, just one – sure-fire way to get you the very best candidates in the most cost-effective way possible.